Blowing out a candle often results in a plume of acrid smoke and can scatter fine particles of soot. This smoke occurs because the breath rapidly cools the flame, but the hot wax and wick continue to vaporize fuel without combustion. The force of the breath can also cause hot, liquid wax to splatter, creating a mess.
Alternative methods for extinguishing a flame aim for a cleaner, safer, and more controlled conclusion. These techniques also help preserve the integrity of the wick, preventing it from hardening or being submerged in the wax pool, which makes relighting difficult.
Extinguishing with Purpose-Built Tools
Specialized tools offer the cleanest and most efficient ways to extinguish a candle flame. The candle snuffer is a common example, typically featuring a small, inverted bell shape attached to a handle. This metal bell is lowered over the flame, completely enclosing it and isolating it from the surrounding atmosphere.
By physically covering the flame, the snuffer rapidly depletes the localized oxygen supply necessary for combustion. Once the oxygen concentration drops, the flame ceases to burn, resulting in minimal smoke production. This method is gentle and prevents any disturbance to the molten wax pool, maintaining an even surface for the next use.
Another effective implement is the wick dipper, which functions by temporarily submerging the lit wick into the pool of molten wax. The tool is usually a thin metal rod used to gently push the burning wick sideways and down into the liquid wax, instantly extinguishing the flame.
Pulling the wick out immediately after the flame is quenched coats the wick in a fresh layer of wax. This action extinguishes the fire with virtually no smoke and primes the wick with fuel, ensuring it is straight and well-coated for a cleaner, more reliable burn the next time the candle is lit.
Simple Improvised Methods
When purpose-built tools are unavailable, common household items can be used to achieve a similar, clean result by applying the same scientific principles.
Smothering the Flame
One straightforward technique involves smothering the flame by completely covering the candle opening with a non-flammable material, such as a metal lid or a heavy ceramic plate. Placing a barrier over the flame immediately cuts off the airflow, causing the fire to consume the remaining oxygen in the enclosed space until the reaction stops. This method effectively prevents the rapid cooling and subsequent smoke associated with blowing. Users must exercise caution regarding heat retention; using an inverted glass container can trap a significant amount of heat. The smothering item must fit snugly enough to prevent fresh air from entering the combustion zone, otherwise the flame will continue to burn.
Improvised Wick Dipper
A simple improvisation of the wick dipper technique can be performed using the handle of a metal spoon or another rigid, non-flammable utensil. The thin end of the improvised tool is used to gently push the burning tip of the wick into the surrounding molten wax pool. The liquid wax instantly cools the flame below its ignition temperature, and the wick is subsequently straightened and pulled back out, minimizing smoke production.
The Wet Pinch Method
For candles with thinner wicks, a controlled method involves using dampened fingers to pinch the flame out, though this requires precision and speed. The thumb and forefinger must be wet to provide a brief layer of insulation against the heat and prevent immediate burning. This quick, firm pinch cuts off the vaporized fuel supply and cools the small flame below the point of combustion. This manual method is only suitable for thin wicks and requires immediate action, as prolonged contact will result in a burn despite the moisture. Applying a wet pinch relies on the rapid absorption of heat by the water and the immediate disruption of the fuel source, offering a virtually smoke-free result.